Sharks and rays are at a substantially higher risk of extinction than most other groups of animals. One quarter of all known species of sharks, skates and rays are listed as Threatened with Extinction on the IUCN Red List™.

Yet, over 1000 species that belong to this group play diverse, critical roles in the ocean ecosystem, are a source of food for thousands of people around the world, and provide many non-consumptive benefits to communities around the world.

Today, the European Parliament (EP) voted in Plenary in Strasbourg on the Pietikainen report, a circular economy report calling on the European Commission to increase its headline marine litter reduction target from 30% to 50% reduction by 2025. The report sends a vital message to the European Commission and Europe as a whole that the European Parliament is in favour of the circular economy as a way to greater resource security, increased jobs and growth, and to tackle marine litter.

The “most wonderful week of the year” – Discovery Channel’s Shark Week on July 5-12 – is almost here! Starting next week, shark lovers or haters and intrigued or fearful fans will be glued to their televisions for a chance to get a glimpse into the lives of these fascinating ocean predators. Are you ready?

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Conservation Minister Maggie Barry have signed the agreement today which aims to improve the conservation of seven migratory shark species vulnerable to over-exploitation.

“This international memorandum is the first global instrument of its kind, and we join 38 other countries in becoming a signatory,” says Mr Guy.

The European Commission has today issued a headline reduction target for marine litter in Europe as part of its Communication on a Circular Economy. We believe that this target is inadequate and will need to be significantly strengthened to really tackle the problem of waste entering our seas.

Guayaquil, Ecuador. July 3, 2015. Fishing nations at the annual meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) have taken concrete, groundbreaking steps to conserve Eastern Pacific manta and devil rays, but have failed to reach consensus on proposals to strengthen the region’s ban on shark finning (slicing off a shark's fins and discarding the body at sea) or on bids to curb fishing of hammerhead and silky sharks.

On Wednesday 1st July, Team Labyrinth – Jase, Jo, James and Roxy – divers, sailors and film makers alike, premiered the first episode in a series of documentaries that they are producing to raise awareness about some of the most pressing issues facing our precious ocean planet.Voyage of the Labyrinth: Coral Island Clean Upshowcases the impact of Dive Against Debris in working towards solutions to stop marine debris at the source.

2015 marks the 40th anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and 40 years since movie goers were introduced to Hollywood’s portrayal of the great white shark in Jaws.

Within days of the release of Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster movie‘ Jaws’ in June 1975, CITES entered into force.

When I was a kid, our school used to run annual cleanups. It was always really fun. Firstly, we got to miss classes - yippee! But secondly - and more importantly - we discussed how we can protect the environment, we designed posters with messages, and talked about actions we could take to stop littering. I felt like I could take on the world and make it a better place.

The European Union’s Blue Growth agenda aims to harness further the potential of Europe’s oceans, seas and coasts for jobs, economic value and sustainability. A new report published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that, despite some improvements, the way we use our seas remains unsustainable and threatens not only the productivity of our seas, but also our well-being.

A year after its establishment, members of the Marine Litter Action Network (MLAN) met again in London, UK, on June 8 to reflect on what the network had achieved during its first year, and discuss the way forward.

The anniversary event was an opportunity for Project AWARE and all participating members to catch up on various initiatives that emerged from working together as a network, as well as share the results of ongoing campaigns.

Last week, I was honored to represent Project AWARE at two different, yet complimentary, fora where the ocean future was at the heart of international exchanges on solutions to the many challenges our ocean is facing.

Obama Proclamation On National Oceans Month 2015: This summer, millions of Americans will take in the beauty and natural splendor of our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes. As destinations for recreation and tourism, these bodies of water rejuvenate our spirit and cultivate a love of our great outdoors. And no matter where you live or who you are, a healthy and thriving ocean is essential to all people all year. Our marine environments contribute to our food supply, bolster our economy, strengthen our national defense, and support important scientific research and innovation.

A report released today by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) on the occasion of World Oceans Day recommends a precautionary approach toward microplastic management, with an eventual phase-out and ban of their use in personal care products and cosmetics (PCCP).

The study, entitled Plastic in Cosmetics: Are We Polluting the Environment Through our Personal Care: Plastic ingredients that contribute to marine microplastic litter' is a compilation of currently available knowledge on the linkages between cosmetics and plastic pollution in the oceans.